by Bea Peterson
After the Public Hearing on the Village of Hoosick Falls 2015-2016 Budget last Tuesday the Board approved the budget, which includes a 1.5% property tax increase. “This is a very lean budget,” said Mayor David Borge. “It’s an increase from a $3.2 million dollar budget to a $3.3 million dollar budget that includes insurance increases and a two percent increase for contracted services for union and non-union employees.[private]” The budget has added $10,000 to the Village’s contingency funds and $7,500 to hire a prosecutor to generate revenue in Village civil cases. The budget reduces summer employees and has added more police coverage. Mayor Borge noted that though the State sets a two percent tax cap, it actually amounts to a 1.68% increase in the Village.
Taxpayer Rebate
Mayor Borge pointed out that eligible residential property owners with incomes less that $500,000 a year, that are STAR eligible, will receive a 1.68% rebate from the State in the fall. “They are eligible for that rebate,” said Borge, “because the Village has been spending wisely and efficiently and has far exceeded the savings goal set by the State.” He pointed out that the solar panels on the Village buildings save $6,500 annually. Another $25,000 was saved by switching to a fixed electrical rate over two years and it is projected the solar panels being installed at the old landfill will save $45,000 annually.
Like the Town did the evening before, the Village sent a letter of support to Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino for the continuation of the currently approved one percent addition to sales tax revenue. This revenue returns to the Town and the Village.
Lock It Up And Put It Away
While giving his monthly report at the Hoosick Falls Board meeting on Tuesday, April 14, Police Chief Robert Ashe said he wanted people to be aware that there have been numerous thefts in the Town area in recent weeks. He said various police patrols in the Village and Towns are working hard to stop this from occurring, and he wanted to remind residents that they should secure their valuables and vehicles on their property. He encouraged residents to notify the Department if they notice any unfamiliar vehicles in the area or if they see anything out of the ordinary. “Do not hesitate to call us at 686-7900,” he said.
Water Update
Mayor Borge said the Village continues to take samples for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). They are looking into a mobile filtering unit for the water plant at a cost of between $15,000 and $40,000 They are also looking at carbon filtering and the life of these filters. The NYS Department of Health will continue to do sampling and record information.
Village Clerk Ann Bornt pointed out that during the recent water meter readings 70 leaks inside homes, such as leaking faucets and running toilets were discovered. Many have been repaired.
Farmers Market To Be In Wood Park
The Board approved a request for the Farmers Market to be held in Wood Park on Wednesdays in July and August, before the Band Concerts.[/private]